The Malacca government's decision to shut down the historic city's popular weekend night market, Jonker Walk, has been described as "political retaliation against Chinese voters" who backed the opposition in the May 5 general election.

The DAP's Kesidang assemblyperson Chin Choong Seong questioned the justification given by Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron that the decision was made after MCA's abysmal showing in GE13.

"Obviously this is an undemocratic retaliation by the BN against the Chinese community, by creating fear. Such a shameful act will not achieve its objective. Instead, it will alienate the people more," Chin said in a statement issued today.

According to Kwong Wah Daily, Idris yesterday argued that the decision passed by the Malacca executive council on June 12 to close the night market, which has been attracting tourists for 13 years, "follows the intention of the people".

Idris reminded that it was DAP that protested against the state government's decision to cordon off Jonker Street from road users, to make way for the night market, when the idea was first mooted.

That time, he said, the DAP slammed the state government for sacrificing the interests of road users to benefit only some 200 hawkers.

Idris: We hope the people will be happy

"Now, we see most of the Malacca residents fully supporting DAP over MCA candidates, who have been serving them. Hence, we decided to cancel the night market and we hope they will be happy," the daily quotes Idris as saying.

He admitted that MCA's electoral defeat in the state prompted the closure of Jonker Walk.

Although Jonker Walk has become a popular tourist attraction in the state, Idris said he was not worried about impact of the closure as there were other tourist destinations in Malacca.

The closure prompted some 100 hawkers to stage a protest rally at Jonker Street last night.

Armed with posters and shouting slogans against the closure, the angry hawkers marched a short distance through the street.

They also said they would set up their stalls and proceed with their businesses on Friday, despite the state government directive to close the night market.